Purge? Corbyn’s Momentum group to exclude socialists

Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn’s Momentum group and senior MPs are trying to block the influence of leftist groups, such as the Socialist Party of England & Wales, citing fears of entryist hijacking.

A central part of the effort will involve drawing up of a new code of conduct that will block socialists and communists from being elected to leadership roles and attending debates.

The move is partially driven by fears that leftist organizations could discredit the movement, which was set up to continue the spirit and energy developed during Corbyn’s leadership election campaign.

Many grassroots activists and far-left groups have called for the deselection of unpopular Labour MPs, including those who voted for bombing Syria last Wednesday.

One of the chief supporters of purging Momentum is Labour’s Deputy Leader Tom Watson, who took to Twitter on Tuesday to argue Momentum had a problem with entryism and that without discipline it could damage Labour.

@LabourEoin if you choose to take it personally, I'm sorry. It doesn't change the fact they have an entryist problem in a number of groups.